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HELP: Bantam chicken is not walking properly and has reduced in size!

Discussion in 'Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures' started by Jackster123, Dec 21, 2016.

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  1. Dec 21, 2016 #1
    Jackster123

    Jackster123 New Egg

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    Dec 21, 2016
    Hello there,

    In our garden we have free-range bantam hens. However, one of these chickens seemingly has gone down in size and is moving around by crouching. As i am the one who gives food out to them, she comes up to me when she sees me. She is also shivering at times. When i read about egg binding, it was rather worrying because i saw shivering around her vent too. Her feathers are a bit messy too - some entire feathers are laying around. [​IMG]

    I don’t think the hens fight each other.

    I’ve tried to find the cause online, but i still have doubts.



    I’ll post an image in a bit
     
  3. Dec 21, 2016 #2
    Wyorp Rock

    Wyorp Rock Overrun With Chickens Premium Member

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    Southern N.C. Mountains
    Welcome to BYC.

    How old is she?
    What type of food/treats do you normally feed?
    Do you provide oyster shell free choice?
    Any photos? A video of the crouching would be good as well.


    If you are seeing feather loss, then she may be molting. During molt, the comb does shrink a bit and become paler, a hen can also look like she is reducing in size due to feather loss. Check her over and see if there are any pin feathers coming in. If you are experiencing cold weather, she may be a bit chilly as well.

    Offer her some poultry vitamins in her water and some extra protein like egg, tuna, mackerel or meat.

    Keep us posted.
     
    1 person likes this.

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